Petition the Prime Minister to strengthen protections for environmental human rights defenders

On April 22, Michel Forst, the United Nations special rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, co-authored an article that highlighted:

“This Earth Day, more than any other, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the everyday guardians of our planet, land and environment defenders, who stand at the front line to defend their land and territories from corporate or state abuse and unsustainable exploitation.

They protect lands, forests and water sources, which provide their communities with good and healthy food, shelter and medicine.

By protecting such resources for the common good, they find themselves directly in the way of others who want to profit from these natural resources.

More than three people were murdered each week in 2019 for defending their land and environment. Countless more were attacked or threatened.

Only a year ago, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution, recognizing the importance of environmental human rights defenders and urging States to ensure their protection.”

Peace Brigades International-Canada is asking its supporters to email Prime Minister Justin Trudeau through this Urgent Action to support initiatives and measures to better protect at-risk human rights defenders.

To send your message of support for these defenders, please click here.